The alleged entry of non-Hindus into Puri Srimandir has acted as a wake-up call for the temple administration as security has been beefed up at the Singhadwar.
Despite heavy checking and round-the-clock surveillance, four non-Hindus reportedly entered the shrine yesterday. In this connection, police detained nine persons including the four who entered the temple. Of the nine detainees, while the four managed to enter the 12th-century shrine, the rest were outside the temple.
Further investigation revealed they are from Bangladesh. Subsequently, their passports and other documents were seized.
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Meanwhile, more security personnel have been deployed and checking has been intensified at the Lion’s gate of the temple.
“Yesterday some non-Hindus had entered Srimandir. But they were accompanied by a Hindu. We are investigating the genuineness of their documents and the purpose of their visit mentioned therein. We are taking such incidents seriously,” said Puri SP Pinak Misha.
However, no reactions from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) were received.